Newbie distress signal....

 

I am getting ready for my first highland games.  It is on June 11^th in the town I grew up in - Kansas City.   The problem is I now live in Portland, Oregon where it rains a lot.  We are just now drying out a bit and I hope to have time to practice.  The only implement I have is a 56 pounder, I have a hammer on the way.

 

With the 56 for height (over-the-bar) I am having some trouble.  Actually getting it over the bar is the problem.  I am standing under the bar and getting the height but I hit the bar all the time.  Any ideas what I may be doing wrong?

 

The 56 for distance – I am not sure I can get the technique down on this one before June 11^th.  I can throw the weight further with one spin than I can with 3.  I plan to keep practicing with 3 spins but I was wondering if it would it be a big deal to just throw with one spin?

 

I look forward to hearing any advice on these questions or any tips on preparing for and what to expect at my first contest.

 

Anyway, I am looking forward to good bbq and some sunny weather in old K.C.

 

Cheers,

jim

Jim-

It seems odd that you only have a 56, but you have a bar... huh?

Anyway, try this for height:

1) take a half-step out from under the bar, try the throw;
Did you clear? [Yes/No] If yes, go to 3; if no go to 2;

2) take another half-step out from under the bar, try the throw;
Did you clear? [Yes/No] If yes, go to 3; if no repeat 2;

3) raise bar and go to 1 <or> end process.

Try this for distance:

1) get really good at the single spin,

2) plan to watch and learn from the guys in your group at KC.

Good luck in your training,

-SillyLightweight 

Dude,3 spins?I've been throwing for 2 years and can't stay in the box consistantlyon a double spin.If you throw farther with one spin,use one spin.Style points are not given just measurements.Relax and have a good time above all else.There will be plenty of people there that will help\coach you all day.Watch and learn.Distance comes with time.If this is your first Games,you will leave the field with all new PR's for each event.Good luck and have fun.

Thanks for your help guys.  I am looking forward to a good time, there seems to be alot of cool people doing the games.

The  AncientOne was wondering about my 56 lb weight:
I have a track and field weight that I can add a links to and change it from wfd to wob.

Thanks again,

jim

No,no-

I'm clear on how to switch a 56 from distance to height or whatever, it was the fact that you, a newbie, have a bar - that was unusual.

I've known many guys who've collected equipment to throw and yet after years don't have a bar to throw at. You've got a bar, that's good.

Good luck in your training,

-AncientOne

I live in Longview, Wa  about forty-fifty minutes north of you.  I am having a practice This Sunday May 29.  If you want to come up and join in we will be glad to try to help you some.

Email me at kenfarnsworth@earthlink.net for details etc...

Ken - That would be great to practice with your group.  I will drop you an e-mail. 

That is WAY too heavy.  Such a big difference makes it a different event.

-Wayne

Get a hacksaw and cut some weight off the 38lber. It might take half a day, but it will build character

And as we all know, the biceps will make you throw really, really, really far!

WOB that is one thing(of many) that I'm not all that good at myself but one tip that I have that helped me get a p/r is when I let it go I jump nothing in rules say your feet can't leave the ground...plus spining with that thing isn't in the cards for Me i have a better chance of flying .I also only do one maybe to prep swing with it try and save all my strangth for get my hand over my head before I let go..but try the jump thing it might help

-Tim "Big Pull"

Its going to be a blast!!!! Even if I threw today and cant get it out of the box much less down the field!

Terry Lawson

Nope I will be there to pick up the last place spot so no one wlse has too!

I do need to get a new training partner though! My 6 year old son is my throwing partner. And his only advise is "Its too hot and its too heavey, lets go swimming!"

 

Terry Lawson

Already got his kilt! He will be wearing it with pride!!! I purchased him a mens small Sportkilt. It fits him great.

I hope to have a picture of him on here maybe this week end.

Terry Lawson

Ed is that hand going to help the rest of out a little?

Terry Lawson